What does the term "lead reversal" refer to in ECG placement?

The term "lead reversal" specifically refers to the situation where the positive and negative leads are switched or placed incorrectly during ECG placement. This can lead to misinterpretation of the heart's electrical activity, as the electrical signals picked up by the leads are flipped, potentially creating an inaccurate representation of the heart's rhythm or condition. Understanding this concept is crucial for accurate ECG interpretation, as lead placement significantly affects the readings obtained. Correctly identifying lead reversal helps prevent diagnostic errors that could arise due to misinterpretation of the heart's electrical patterns.